First Australian win for All Too Hard

Black Caviar’s half-brother All Too Hard has notched the first Australian victory of his stud career with The Mighty Fed producing a composed effort at Warwick Farm.

Lincoln Hills gave the four-time Group One winner his initial success in New Zealand last month while his first crop had racked up nine minor placings in Australia before The Mighty Fed provided the breakthrough at his second start.

Trainer David Payne said The Mighty Fed who was $21 at bookmaker Luxbet was overawed on debut at Warwick Farm last month but had no issues on Wednesday as he powered clear to beat the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Furlana ($15) by two lengths.

“We knew we had a good horse when he trialled before his first run but he had a bit of stage fright. Babies often do,” Payne said.

Blake Shinn rode The Mighty Fed when he ran fourth on debut and agreed with Payne he was developing nicely.

“He did most things right on debut but the track was very rain-affected. He’s come on fitness wise. I just needed a little break at the turn and the horse did the rest,” he said.

Payne thought 1600 metres could be The Mighty Fed’s optimum distance but he would consult with South African owner Marcus Jooste about his immediate future.

“I might put him in the paddock, we’ll just see. He’s going to be a good horse later on. We don’t want to kill him,” Payne said.